Tax Credits for Seniors
Every federal tax credit and planning move for Canadians 65 and over.
The short version
- Canadians 65 and over get two credits of their own: the age amount (up to $9,208 for 2026) and the pension income amount (on up to $2,000 of eligible pension).
- Couples can split eligible pension income, and transfer unused age, pension and disability amounts to each other.
- Medical expenses, the disability tax credit, the home accessibility credit and the multigenerational renovation credit matter more with age.
- Watch the income-tested items: the age amount shrinks above $46,432, and OAS is clawed back above $95,323; see OAS clawback.
- Low-income seniors: the Guaranteed Income Supplement isn't taxable, but you must file every year to keep it. Amounts: benefits for seniors.
Tax Credits and Deductions for Seniors in Canada
Retirement brings a new set of slips, a new set of credits, and a new set of ways to lose them. This is the checklist: every credit and planning move that applies mainly to people 65 and over, with the details one click away.
The Seniors' Checklist
| Credit or move | 2026 amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Age amount | Up to $9,208, reduced above $46,432 of net income | Age amount |
| Pension income amount | Credit on up to $2,000 of eligible pension | Pension income amount |
| Pension income splitting | Up to 50% of eligible pension to a spouse | Pension splitting |
| Transfers from a spouse | Unused age, pension and disability amounts | Spousal amount |
| Medical expenses | Above the lesser of $2,890 or 3% of net income | Medical expenses |
| Disability tax credit | $10,341 | Disability tax credit |
| Home accessibility credit | 14% (2026) of up to $20,000 of renovations | Home accessibility |
| Multigenerational home renovation credit (refundable) | 14% (2026) of up to $50,000 to build a suite for a senior | Multigenerational credit |
| Caregiver credit (for whoever supports you) | Up to $8,773 | Canada caregiver credit |
The Income Tests
Several of these shrink as income rises, which is why the order of withdrawals matters so much in retirement:
- Age amount: reduced by 15% of net income over $46,432.
- OAS: reduced by 15% of net income over $95,323 (the “clawback” or recovery tax).
- GIS and provincial seniors' benefits: reduced by income too, but they're not taxable.
Pension splitting, TFSA withdrawals (which aren't income) and spreading RRIF withdrawals and capital gains over several years are the usual tools for staying under the thresholds. See TFSA tax rules and retirement tax in Canada.
Are you claiming every seniors' credit?
Tell the assistant your age, income sources, province and your spouse's situation. It runs through the checklist and flags any credit or transfer you seem to be missing.
Mistakes We See Most
- Not splitting pension income when one spouse has much more.
- No RRIF or pension income at 65, so the pension income amount goes unused.
- Medical expenses on the higher-income spouse's return, where the 3% threshold is bigger.
- No tax withheld from CPP and OAS, then a bill and instalment notices; see why do I owe taxes this year.
- Missing the disability tax credit for mobility, vision or memory problems that came with age.
Return Check reviews both spouses' returns together and flags missed splits and transfers before you file.
Seniors' Tax Credit Questions
What tax credits can seniors claim in Canada?
The age amount and the pension income amount for those 65 and over, pension income splitting and transfers between spouses, plus medical expenses, the disability tax credit, the home accessibility credit and the multigenerational home renovation credit.
Is the Guaranteed Income Supplement taxable?
No. GIS is reported on the return but deducted again, so it is not taxed. You must file every year to keep receiving it.
What is the OAS clawback threshold for 2026?
$95,323 of net income. OAS is reduced by 15% of net income above that amount.
Can seniors transfer credits to a spouse?
Yes. Unused age, pension income and disability amounts can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner on Schedule 2.
What changes for taxes after 65?
At 65 you can claim the age amount if your income is under the threshold, RRIF and annuity income qualify for the pension income credit and pension splitting, OAS starts unless you defer it, and the OAS clawback applies to higher incomes.
What tax credits can retired Canadians claim?
The age amount, the pension income amount, pension income splitting with a spouse, the disability amount if eligible, medical expenses, donations, and provincial seniors’ credits. Low-income seniors also get the Guaranteed Income Supplement, which is not taxable.
Sources: CRA, 2026 indexation table; Pension income splitting; Amounts that are not taxed. Checked October 2026.
Last reviewed October 5, 2026 against CRA and Government of Canada sources. How we check our facts.